Podcast Summary: The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert
Episode: Al Roker | King Con
Release Date: February 21, 2025
Host: Stephen Colbert
Guest: Al Roker, NBC’s Chief Meteorologist
Introduction
In this episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert, host Stephen Colbert welcomes his longtime friend and renowned weatherman, Al Roker. The duo delves into a blend of humor, current events, and personal anecdotes, providing listeners with an engaging and insightful conversation.
Winter Weather and the Polar Vortex
The episode kicks off with Stephen Colbert humorously addressing the extreme cold weather gripping America. He personifies the cold, jesting about the necessity of audience members having a "buddy" to share warmth with during frigid nights.
Notable Quote:
Stephen Colbert (00:00): "It's cold out there and it is cold in here. I hope everyone in the audience has remembered to find an audience buddy in case you need to cut them open and crawl inside for warmth."
Al Roker joins the conversation to explain the scientific phenomenon behind the extreme temperatures.
Notable Quote:
Al Roker (22:19): "That's right, the interesting thing is, we have this thing up at the Arctic called the polar vortex..."
He clarifies misconceptions about global warming by describing how the weakening of the polar vortex allows cold Arctic air to plunge southward.
New York City's Congestion Pricing and Political Banter
Stephen Colbert segues into discussing New York City's introduction of congestion pricing aimed at reducing traffic and emissions. He praises the initiative, noting its positive impact on traffic reduction and local businesses.
Notable Quote:
Stephen Colbert (02:15): "January saw a 7.9% reduction in traffic. And according to the governor's office, Broadway shows are selling out and foot traffic to local businesses is spiking."
The conversation takes a humorous turn as Colbert personifies former President Donald Trump as a "king," referencing Trump's tweets and antics surrounding the congestion pricing debate.
Notable Quote:
Stephen Colbert (04:04): "America will never bow before any king not named Burger. For he hath made us all part of the royal family."
Al Roker adds to the banter, emphasizing Governor Kathy Hochul's defiance against Trump's mocking tweets.
Notable Quote:
Al Roker (06:29): "The cameras are staying on. Governor, I love your defiance, but you know Trump loves cameras."
California's Bigfoot Bill and Cryptids
Stephen introduces a satirical segment about California introducing a bill to recognize Bigfoot as the state's official cryptid. He humorously critiques the move, suggesting it paves the way for other states to declare their own mythical creatures as official symbols.
Notable Quote:
Stephen Colbert (08:05): "Greetings, sasquatches, swamp apes, yeti, and bigfeet of all stripes. Don't you fall for it, my furry, furry friends..."
Al Roker’s Cookbook and Culinary Chats
Transitioning to a lighter topic, Stephen and Al discuss Al Roker’s cookbook, Al Roker's Recipes to Live By. They engage in playful ribbing over the presence of shrimp tails in the recipes, blending humor with genuine praise for the book.
Notable Quote:
Stephen Colbert (19:32): "Look at those shrimp. Look at that. Yeah, they still have the tails on the shrimp. What the hell, Al Roker, why do you put tails on?"
Al explains his approach to cooking, sharing personal stories about his family's culinary traditions and collaboration with his daughter, Courtney Roker.
Notable Quote:
Al Roker (17:34): "You cook for the people you love and you provide them a meal and then they have to clean the dishes."
Behind the Scenes: Green Screens and The A-Team
Al Roker reminisces about his early experiences with green screens during his time on The Today Show in the 1970s. He shares an anecdote about witnessing Santana's performance and the magic of chroma key technology.
Notable Quote:
Al Roker (23:24): "Every morning I play the A Team theme and recite the beginning opening."
They both laugh over the nostalgia, with Stephen highlighting the rituals that ground their daily routines.
Health and Resilience
The conversation takes a heartfelt turn as Stephen addresses Al’s health challenges, including his battle with prostate cancer and a subsequent blood clot. Al shares his gratitude for his support system and advanced healthcare, emphasizing resilience and the importance of advocacy.
Notable Quote:
Al Roker (25:43): "I have great health care, which not everybody in this country does. But I've also got advocate. I had an advocate."
Promotion of Al Roker’s App: Start Today
Towards the end of the episode, Al promotes his new app, Start Today, positioning himself as the Chief Motivation Officer. The app offers resources on nutrition, wellness, and motivation, aiming to help users improve their daily lives.
Notable Quote:
Al Roker (26:45): "The app gives you everything you need, like nutrition, motivation, wellness kind of things. It gives you exercises, gives you dietary information. You can plan meals."
Conclusion
Stephen Colbert wraps up the episode by thanking Al Roker for his candid and entertaining participation. He encourages listeners to check out Al’s cookbook and app, highlighting the valuable insights shared during their conversation.
Notable Quote:
Stephen Colbert (27:02): "You can download the Start Today app wherever you get your apps. Al Roker, everybody. Thank you for listening to the Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert."
Key Takeaways
- Winter Extremes: Understanding the polar vortex and its impact on weather patterns.
- Urban Policies: The effectiveness and political responses to New York City's congestion pricing.
- Cultural Humor: Playful banter around political figures and mythical creatures.
- Personal Stories: Al Roker’s culinary journey and personal resilience in the face of health challenges.
- Health and Wellness: Promotion of Al’s app emphasizing holistic well-being.
This episode masterfully blends humor with substantive discussions, providing listeners with both entertainment and valuable insights. Whether you're a fan of The Late Show or new to the podcast, Stephen Colbert and Al Roker deliver a memorable and informative conversation that resonates on multiple levels.